View Full Version : I hate my rental house
Here is the walk through: what a nightmare. No rant needed; what the hell is wrong with people. These people were good the first three years and trashed it the last; what the hell?
Grant H.
09-20-2015, 19:09
My parents used to own some rentals, but when it seemed like damage was more and more common, they sold them off.
I will never own a rental. There isn't enough money in the world to deal with most of the trash that I see wanting to rent from people I know with rentals.
I was thinking about getting into the landlord business when my dad came out here and would need a place to stay. Sounds like a P.I.T.A. to deal with folks like this.
My parents used to own some rentals, but when it seemed like damage was more and more common, they sold them off.
I will never own a rental. There isn't enough money in the world to deal with most of the trash that I see wanting to rent from people I know with rentals.
I was stuck with this house when the market crashed, didn't want it, couldn't sell it, and I didn't want to go into foreclosure because I believe in honoring my commitments. However, my patience is wearing thin!
Too bad you can't only rent to Military. One call to the CO... problem fixed. At least when I was in.
I'll post some pics when I get them off my camera; the main bathroom is a wreck. How in the hell do people live like that or the smell of pet urine...WTF! It's been a long ass day so I am done with it. I just had to mail the summary tomorrow.
Rooskibar03
09-20-2015, 19:26
Best to be a slumlord if you're gonna own property.
HoneyBadger
09-20-2015, 19:31
Broken windows? Tub full of old water? Missing smoke detectors and bathroom hardware? What the F***? Was it a meth lab?
Can you legally do regular home inspections? You know... to make sure that the "safety features" are all in good order? If I were a landlord I would run that shit like the military does.
hurley842002
09-20-2015, 19:53
Can you legally do regular home inspections? You know... to make sure that the "safety features" are all in good order? If I were a landlord I would run that shit like the military does.
And you wouldn't get many tenants...
HoneyBadger
09-20-2015, 20:01
Can you legally do regular home inspections? You know... to make sure that the "safety features" are all in good order? If I were a landlord I would run that shit like the military does.
Yes, You can legally do as many inspections as you would like, in accordance with your contract. The contract I have for my rental house stipulates that I will give 72hrs written notice and coordinate the visit with the tenants, but I can inspect as many times as I'd like. Because I am not currently living within a reasonable distance of the rental, my contract also stipulates that I may elect to have an agent of my choosing do the inspection, once coordinated.
It's all about doing your homework before signing the contract. I spent 3 months screening for good tenants and so far I haven't had a single issue. Hopefully it stays that way.
And you wouldn't get many tenants...
Not true at all in this market. I just listed my house on Zillow (didn't advertize anywhere else) and was getting 3+ inquiries every day for several months. I could have signed a contract in a week if I wanted to.
This is nothing on the rental I just fixed. Maybe ill post the YouTube video
How much are you looking to unload it for? What area?
hurley842002
09-20-2015, 20:23
Not true at all in this market. I just listed my house on Zillow (didn't advertize anywhere else) and was getting 3+ inquiries every day for several months. I could have signed a contract in a week if I wanted to.
Run your rental like the military, with similar inspections and such, and see how many tenants you get, but remember you have to put it in the contract that beds must be made every morning...
Broken windows? Tub full of old water? Missing smoke detectors and bathroom hardware? What the F***? Was it a meth lab?
Nope, a married couple and their kids. I Thought a family would be good...nope!
I will be writing monthly inspections in my rental agreements in the future, and spending a lot more time there. I hate going into a home, but I can't have this happen again.
Honey Badger282.8
09-20-2015, 20:28
I'm renting my house in Virginia. Thankfully I found a great property manager to handle everything.
SideShow Bob
09-20-2015, 20:35
If think people treat rentals badly, you should have seen the foreclosure next to me after the owners left.
The garage door was driven through, and everything that could be torn out, was ! Light fixtures, outlets, toilets, sinks, cabinets, appliances, water heater, interior doors, garage door opener & springs. Trash and crap (literally) were a foot deep in most all rooms, dry wall was punched and or kicked out almost completely. Even the irrigation valves & timer were taken. Even the gas fireplace was removed.
Thank your lucky stars that you have some recourse to go after or at least keep the security deposit from your renters.
blacklabel
09-20-2015, 20:40
We bought our house in 2008 after looking at close to 40 foreclosures. It's amazing what someone will do to a home once they no longer care.
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Yes, You can legally do as many inspections as you would like, in accordance with your contract. The contract I have for my rental house stipulates that I will give 72hrs written notice and coordinate the visit with the tenants, but I can inspect as many times as I'd like. Because I am not currently living within a reasonable distance of the rental, my contract also stipulates that I may elect to have an agent of my choosing do the inspection, once coordinated.
...
Not true at all in this market. I just listed my house on Zillow (didn't advertize anywhere else) and was getting 3+ inquiries every day for several months. I could have signed a contract in a week if I wanted to.
If I rented out a property worth 6 figures to anyone, you betcha I would be really ... really involved.
I'm so happy the wife's condo is under contract.
Don't fucking scare me like that!!! I'm putting my house up for rent. I have in my lease that I can stop by anytime within reasonable hours. Plus my neighbors all know me and will call me at a drop of a dime. But I hope that my tenants are good, I know them. Have been at their current house and it's spotless.
Why did I rent it? Can't stomach selling it and "loosing" money (6-9%) in fees.
I'll post some pics when I get them off my camera; the main bathroom is a wreck. How in the hell do people live like that or the smell of pet urine...WTF! It's been a long ass day so I am done with it. I just had to mail the summary tomorrow.
Home Depot sells some excellent stuff called Odoban- that's take care of the pet urine. Use a black light to find any stains.
I'm sorry you're going through this- I'd write a rental contract that outlines everything you think should be common sense (use of trash bags, no garbage down the disposal, pet messes must be cleaned up within X hours, etc). Make sure a walk-through is required before they leave. In this market, you'll find renters easily.
I'm guessing they've lost their security deposit and their pet deposit after that list!
If I rented out a property worth 6 figures to anyone, you betcha I would be really ... really involved.
Try finding a 5 figure rental round here. On a serious note. People can be terrible. I bought my house as a foreclosure. Main water shut off then they busted the valve. Extra plugged up sewer, line needed replacing. Everything stripped. Last owners were animals.
BushMasterBoy
09-20-2015, 23:21
Can you do a credit check before you rent or is that illegal? Also a background check for criminal record?
If I rented out a property worth 6 figures to anyone, you betcha I would be really ... really involved.
That's the wrong attitude for a rental. Rentals are for making money, period. Stuff is going to get broken and trashed, guaranteed. If your heart is attached to your rental (like if it was your first home), it will be very difficult for you.
Can you do a credit check before you rent or is that illegal? Also a background check for criminal record?
Absolutely. That is common practice, and making the applicant pay for the background check is pretty standard.
People are filthy. Every time I have to go in to someone's home, I am surprised and disgusted at how humans can live...
Can you do a credit check before you rent or is that illegal? Also a background check for criminal record?
There are several services that do criminal and credit background checks for landlords; anywhere from $25-$75 depending on what you want done.
How much are you looking to unload it for? What area?
Sorry I missed this. It is near AIrport and 6th in Aurora. I owe around $156,000 on it. If I sell, the price depends on how close it is to "as is". I need to clear $10,000 after the sale for taxes and such. I may have somebody I know rent it.
I had something similar in one of my rentals including photos dated before they moved in and photos the day they moved out. I had signed documents and everything you need to protect yourself as a landlord... right? Wrong. I ended up in small claims court with the lady even admitting that they had done the stuff in the photographs. The only piece they had was an 'email' supposedly between them and myself claiming I was going to return their deposit in full. It was literally a piece of paper printed out from what looked like MS Word that was supposedly an email between them and myself. No header. No details. Nothing. That was all she had. The husband didn't even show up. I brought my LEO buddy because he was in town and he wanted to see them squirm since he was privy to the evils they had committed and wanted to see the slam dunk case first hand. Judge went into his chambers after listening to both of us (including her basically admit to all the damages being committed by her and her family) and then ruled that I was to refund their security deposit in full because I lead them to believe I would as was evidenced by the 'email'. Dafuq?!?! That was the day I decided to never rent a house again. I haven't. I sleep better now. It's just not worth the stress.
tldr; Don't rent houses in Colorado because it's not 'if' you get effed by a tenant but when and how hard.
RCCrawler
09-21-2015, 09:56
Your list doesn't seem too bad. I used to own a good sized trailer park that I owned most of the trailers and it also had about 10 apartments. I've got stories for days.
Here is a quick list off the top of my head:
-One tenant removed the top 1 foot of drywall from the entire apartment and filled the walls with trash/dirty diapers/animals feces/food scraps.
-One tenant had so many cockroaches I went into the bedroom, pulled the sheets back and the ENTIRE surface of the bed was covered and scattered.
-Had several meth labs busted by North Metro task force.
-Evicted one guy that was a major drug user. Had to clean apartment and removed over 200 used syringes. I also think this person didn't take their trash out once for the entire 2 years they lived there, every spot you could fit a piece of trash was packed full.
That's the wrong attitude for a rental. Rentals are for making money, period. Stuff is going to get broken and trashed, guaranteed. If your heart is attached to your rental (like if it was your first home), it will be very difficult for you.
I suppose. I mainly would keep tabs on it for documentation.
I am sure there is ways for tenants to screw over landlords. If you know the soonest when there is a problem, you can start documenting the problems and perhaps fair better in court. (thus loosing less money) I am assuming being a landlord is going to get you in court more. Would be nice to appear before a judge with documentation in hand.
I would not be attached to broken stuff. When that broken stuff starts making me loose money that is a problem. When they start destroying more than the deposit pays for isn't it time to let them move on?
My neighbor has been renting out her house while she pursues her goals working in Cali.. the first set of tenants she had TRASHED the house. White couple, late 20s... the dogs and cat ruined the floors.. peed on EVERYTHING.. the house smelled like an amonia factory.. howTF do people live in that.
She kept their deposits and they're suing her for keeping their money as they don't feel it was that bad.. they wouldn't come for a walk through. I know I'm going to get called to testify about their little shit head dogs..
I suppose. I mainly would keep tabs on it for documentation.
I am sure there is ways for tenants to screw over landlords. If you know the soonest when there is a problem, you can start documenting the problems and perhaps fair better in court. (thus loosing less money) I am assuming being a landlord is going to get you in court more. Would be nice to appear before a judge with documentation in hand.
I would not be attached to broken stuff. When that broken stuff starts making me loose money that is a problem. When they start destroying more than the deposit pays for isn't it time to let them move on?
Most of what you said here is true. The problem is that if someone is trashing your place, even if you "win" in court, they don't have any money for you to recover anyway. It's very important to build up a safety net with a rental, because you WILL need it.
Most of what you said here is true. The problem is that if someone is trashing your place, even if you "win" in court, they don't have any money for you to recover anyway. It's very important to build up a safety net with a rental, because you WILL need it.
Yeah, no blood from a turnip.
Rentals can be great but they can also be a big downer. I'd rather do fix/flips then have rentals.
Rentals can be great but they can also be a big downer. I'd rather do fix/flips then have rentals.
That's how I started and once flipping slowed down I became a landlord. Once that start slowing down I became bankrupt. Wee real estate investment!
I have managed rentals before, and only occasionally had problems. The biggest thing is the background credit check. You also don't want to be a slum lord, cheap places poor aesthetics or you wind up with crappy tenants. It is important to set the tone at the first communication that you are in charge and the tenants are not.
Lex_Luthor
09-21-2015, 13:31
People are disgusting. I'll toot my own horn for a second though, because my wife and I are renting (hopefully will be getting our own house in the next couple years) and we've taken very good care of the 2 houses we've lived at. She cleans EVERY DAY. I've also volunteered to help fix our current place up. If our LL buys the materials or reimburses us the following rent payment, I've fixed up a lot of stuff around the house. Our house is NOT in great condition, but in exchange for a very reasonable price, I have no problem helping out with labor.
It blows my mind how people could live in squalor. Blech
I thought now was a good time to sell a house?
I say get rid of it, make a quick bit of money and move on.
I thought now was a good time to sell a house?
I say get rid of it, make a quick bit of money and move on.
Big time.
We're selling ours. Our renter just moved out a week or two ago, and we're trying to decide if we just sell as is or if we drop money on improvements in the hope that we'll make a little more out of it. Given the price range we're in, it's looking like it might not make sense.
What kind of improvements will get you a greater than 100% return on investment? Those would be the only ones worthy of the effort.
BushMasterBoy
09-21-2015, 19:13
My lady friend had 14 rent houses in Pueblo. Someone cleared a clogged toilet with a piece of rebar, sewage in the crawlspace. All the others were stripped of copper wire and plumbing. All sold off now, but one. Only real estate I will consider is vacant land. Stock market (DJIA) has lost 2000 points in the last 3 months, my neighborhood crime is going up. I been going around to the neighbors and asking about my stolen motorcycle and they have all responded that kids bikes and other thefts have occurred recently. Suddenly Pueblo West isn't as good as I thought it was.
Only real estate I will consider is vacant land. Stock market (DJIA) has lost 2000 points in the last 3 months, my neighborhood crime is going up. I been going around to the neighbors and asking about my stolen motorcycle and they have all responded that kids bikes and other thefts have occurred recently. Suddenly Pueblo West isn't as good as I thought it was.
I'm saving for a spot of recreational land right now. Just about as much as I am putting in PMs every month.
spqrzilla
09-21-2015, 20:03
Luckily, my rental just sold.
[Beer]
nogaroheli
09-21-2015, 20:09
So if you had a management company taking care of the rental of your property how would a situation like this be handled? Is there any protection through them against renters destroying your house? Are they responsible in any way to prevent it from it from being abused?
We were just deciding whether to rent our house out or not.
scratchy
09-21-2015, 20:13
Thank you for talking me out of investing in rental property! I do NOT need that kind of headache.
Got the inspection back for the wife's condo. They're whining about the age of the appliances that come with it. Sorry, but you're not buying a new home. Everything works. They even want a warranty on the entirety of the property, including plumbing, HVAC, appliances for a year.
Not gonna' happen.
So if you had a management company taking care of the rental of your property how would a situation like this be handled? Is there any protection through them against renters destroying your house? Are they responsible in any way to prevent it from it from being abused?
We were just deciding whether to rent our house out or not.
Not really. How would you hold the management company responsible for something they didn't do? However, some management companies help find renters, and you may be able to have some agreement about splitting damages in that situation.
nogaroheli
09-21-2015, 21:14
Not really. How would you hold the management company responsible for something they didn't do? However, some management companies help find renters, and you may be able to have some agreement about splitting damages in that situation.
My boss certainly holds me responsible for things people I manage screw up so I was hoping since you hire them to manage it they did more than find renters, cash their checks and take their cut. I'd like to know what kind of agreements people have with management companies. If there was any protection offered that would make the case for a management company much stronger.
We had a property manager, but he was more the guy that tenants called for minor repairs and lock-outs. He would contact us with anything big. He didn't find tenants and was certainly not responsible if someone trashed their unit. We didn't have a full service management company that took a cut of the rents though, we just paid him per door, per month. I'm probably not the best to answer that question, sorry. [gohome]
Property managers are worthless. I had one and all he did was take a cut. He even tried to charge me a finders fee on the new tenants after the ones he found had to be evicted after 3 months. He was only in it for himself. He was pretty much free and clear of any liability on it all too. Who had to pay the unpaid water bill left by the tenants he found? Me. As property owner, it all comes back to you. You might be able to find a different manager that would be willing to accept liability but my guess is most of them operate "hands off" for most scenarios. They're more of a secretary for you.
Firehaus
09-22-2015, 12:11
I've found management companies to be worthless money sucks as well. I went to self managing my property.
Property damage sucks, but happens. In the long run, I've found the long term financial benefits out way the headaches along the way as long as your not over leveraging and risking too much.
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Here are some of the more ridiculous pics:
6108261083610846108661087
Lex_Luthor
09-22-2015, 15:32
That's nasty
That's nasty
Keeps me on my toes; what am I going to stick to next?
Looks nice and clean to me!
NOT!
Firehaus
09-22-2015, 21:23
$275 to epoxy coat tub and tile to look new. $200 for a new toilet... I wouldn't even bother cleaning it if it were mine. But I like to replace the toilets anyway so I reduce after hours plumbing emergencies.
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$275 to epoxy coat tub and tile to look new. $200 for a new toilet... I wouldn't even bother cleaning it if it were mine. But I like to replace the toilets anyway so I reduce after hours plumbing emergencies.
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Yeah I suppose you never know what got flushed down there and is just sitting there in the trap to clog up another day.
Firehaus
09-22-2015, 22:09
I look at it as more upfront on my terms to prevent more down the road in the middle of the night for an emergency call with emergency prices.
Plus, the better you fix it up to re-lease, the better the tenant pool becomes which is paying higher rent. Area dependent of course.
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God, MED, that's an absolute outrage that they left your property like that!
Damn, the whole bathroom just makes me sick. That tub looked like it was really nice, at one point in time. :/
God, MED, that's an absolute outrage that they left your property like that!
Damn, the whole bathroom just makes me sick. That tub looked like it was really nice, at one point in time. :/
I am not sure how they did that to the epoxy finish on it. The whole tub was sanded with a DA and finished sanded by hand, and the epoxy paint designed for bathroom fixtures was done five years ago.
HoneyBadger
09-23-2015, 12:45
I am not sure how they did that to the epoxy finish on it. The whole tub was sanded with a DA and finished sanded by hand, and the epoxy paint designed for bathroom fixtures was done five years ago.
Did they dissolve a body in acid in there??
At this point, that may be a serious question to ask yourself...
Did they dissolve a body in acid in there??
At this point, that may be a serious question to ask yourself...
I don't know what they were doing. Auto refinishing is a hobby of mine and I prep'd the tub well and shot it with bathroom grade epoxy paint...they sure tore the hell out of it!
I just used my palm sander with a green scrubbing pad and Comet to get my shower floor more clean than it has been in probably 40 years. I don't know why there isn't a market for powered cleaning tools. I'm going to pick up a plastic wire brush for my drill later.
I don't know why there isn't a market for powered cleaning tools.
Black & Decker Power Scrubbers - http://www.blackanddecker.com/en-us/products/home-cleaning/powered-cleaning/scrubbers
I had a first generation Scum Buster, but I pay someone to do it these days. Floors are so much lower than they used to be.
Exactly, only with an 18v version.
ZERO THEORY
09-27-2015, 19:51
Can one of you guys give me the rundown on Section 8 rentals? I saw a video a while back of a Section 8 tenant who intentionally destroyed a beautiful home down south. My understanding is that you can't deny Section 8 applicants, basically if they come after the place, you're stuck with 'em. Is that just an urban myth?
I only have experience with similar programs. We would be provided with a rap sheet to review and we could decide if we wanted the potential tenant or not. Once accepted, then they pretty much stayed until they screwed up.
HoneyBadger
09-27-2015, 22:47
Section 8 does not work with my rental. It's not in the ghettos of South Chicago.
In my experience, most of it in TX, the housing was designated as Section 8, a.k.a. 'the Projects'.
Reading the Wiki, I had no idea that the vouchers could be used toward buying a house.
ZERO THEORY
09-28-2015, 10:31
Section 8 does not work with my rental. It's not in the ghettos of South Chicago.
That's just it. This was a $300K+ home in the suburbs. Supposedly, the tenants had put in for the home (not sure where or how it was listed), and the owner couldn't deny them.
In my experience, most of it in TX, the housing was designated as Section 8, a.k.a. 'the Projects'.
Reading the Wiki, I had no idea that the vouchers could be used toward buying a house.
That's what's got me stumped. It's a scary thought that the .gov could just be like, "Hey, you listed your house publicly. You can't deny these disenfranchised folks the opportunity to live well, so they're coming in. Don't mind the broken fixtures or stains everywhere."
HoneyBadger
09-28-2015, 15:16
That's just it. This was a $300K+ home in the suburbs. Supposedly, the tenants had put in for the home (not sure where or how it was listed), and the owner couldn't deny them.
That's what's got me stumped. It's a scary thought that the .gov could just be like, "Hey, you listed your house publicly. You can't deny these disenfranchised folks the opportunity to live well, so they're coming in. Don't mind the broken fixtures or stains everywhere."
Yeah... F that. I was very selective about who I offered applications to. It's my private property and you bet your ass I'm going to do my best to protect it. My rental is a $300k+ home in an uppity neighborhood. Rent is $1900/mo
PugnacAutMortem
09-28-2015, 15:21
Yeah... F that. I was very selective about who I offered applications to. It's my private property and you bet your ass I'm going to do my best to protect it. My rental is a $300k+ home in an uppity neighborhood. Rent is $1900/mo
You must have a lot of equity in that place because our mortgage on a $300k house is more than that. We were looking at renting ours in the $2400-$2600 range.
HoneyBadger
09-28-2015, 16:21
You must have a lot of equity in that place because our mortgage on a $300k house is more than that. We were looking at renting ours in the $2400-$2600 range.
Mortgage plus insurance, taxes, etc is just over $1800. We have about $60k in equity. I never intended it to be a rental, but then the unthinkable happened: The military sent me behind enemy lines to CA. [LOL]
Med is not exhagerating about the condition of his rental at all!
This is a great example of what fucks over renters that actually care about the place they live regardless of who owns it, Cleans up after themselves and their pet, no wonder deposits are so damn crazy! The house is a damn cute setup and they just trashed it inside and out, INSIDE 12 MONTHS! MED has worked his ass off since the beginning of this thread and has done an amazing job cleaning it up, Kudos for the hard work bro!
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